Marijuana Damages DNA and May Cause Cancer

A lot of studies have shown marijuana is not good for you. It can
fry the brain and contribute to psychosis. The latest one finds
"convincing evidence" that marijuana smoke damages the genetic material
DNA in ways that could increase the risk of cancer.

Toxic substances in tobacco smoke can damage DNA and increase the risk of lung and other cancers. However, there has been uncertainty over whether marijuana smoke has the same effect.

Scientists are especially concerned about the toxicity of
acetaldehyde, present in both tobacco and marijuana. However, it has
been difficult to measure DNA damage from acetaldehyde with
conventional tests.

Using a highly sensitive new method called modified mass
spectrometry, Rajinder Singh at the University of Leicester and
colleagues found the data they sought, they report in the June 15 issue
of Chemical Research in Toxicology, a journal of the American Chemical Society.

"These results provide evidence for the DNA damaging potential of
cannabis [marijuana] smoke, implying that the consumption of cannabis
cigarettes may be detrimental to human health with the possibility to
initiate cancer development," the researchers write. "The data obtained
from this study suggesting the DNA damaging potential of cannabis smoke
highlight the need for stringent regulation of the consumption of
cannabis cigarettes, thus limiting the development of adverse health
effects such as cancer."

Live Science Staff

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